U.S.-Russia Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Rising Tensions in Ukraine
U.S. and Russian negotiators are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy stresses the need for Putin’s instruction to cease hostilities. Recent agreement hints at a partial ceasefire focused on energy, but clashes persist as both sides blame each other for violations. Optimism for progress remains despite underlying tensions.
U.S. and Russian negotiators are set to convene in Saudi Arabia to advance discussions for a ceasefire and a peace agreement aimed at halting the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. This meeting follows prior negotiations held between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address the situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video briefing, noted that discussions are being conducted in a “fully constructive manner,” and he urged that effective pressure must be placed on President Putin to formally cease military attacks, stressing that the initiator of the war must also be responsible for ending it.
Although a preliminary understanding of a ceasefire was reached last week, active exchanges of drone and missile attacks continue between Moscow and Kyiv. The White House has indicated that a partial ceasefire could be focused on “energy and infrastructure,” whereas President Putin has remarked that it pertains specifically to “energy infrastructure” alone. Zelenskyy expressed a desire for broader protection of critical infrastructure, such as railways and ports.
Steve Witkoff, former special envoy under President Trump, expressed optimism regarding the talks, noting that a pause in hostilities could evolve into comprehensive ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reassured that Russian forces are adhering to Putin’s directive to halt attacks on energy facilities for 30 days, while also accusing Ukraine of violating the ceasefire.
In response, Ukraine’s military leadership dismissed Russia’s allegations, attributing responsibility for the attacks to the Russian military, a claim which Peskov characterized as “absurd.”
In summary, U.S. and Russian officials are actively seeking a ceasefire in Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities, with discussions taking place in Saudi Arabia. President Zelenskyy emphasizes the necessity for Putin to direct a genuine halt to military actions, while both parties continue to negotiate the specifics of a ceasefire that addresses critical infrastructure. Difficulties persist as accusations of violations arise from both sides, complicating the potential for peace.
Original Source: cbsaustin.com
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